Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Islamic countries to adopt a united and decisive stance against Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza. In a video address at the International Humanitarian Summit on ‘The Future of Gaza:, held in Istanbul, Erdogan emphasized the necessity of solidarity among Muslim nations amid escalating violence and human suffering in Palestinian territories.
Erdogan lamented the devastating toll of Israeli bombardments since October 2023, calling for global accountability and collective Islamic efforts to respond effectively to what he described as a “genocidal war.”
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Addressing the summit, Erdogan revealed grim statistics about the conflict. “Nearly 50,000 Palestinian sisters and brothers, most of them women and children, have been martyred,” he said. Over 100,000 civilians have been injured, while large-scale destruction continues across Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, including places of worship, schools, and hospitals.
The Turkish leader also denounced Israeli attacks on Lebanon, reporting more than 3,500 deaths in the country due to cross-border strikes. He condemned these actions as flagrant violations of international law, underscoring the dire need for justice and humanitarian intervention.
Türkiye’s Role in Supporting Palestine
Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s significant humanitarian contributions, stating that over 86,000 tons of aid have been delivered to Gaza. Additional aid exceeding 1,300 tons has been sent to Lebanon to assist those affected by Israeli aggression.
“In the face of these attacks, Türkiye stands in full solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters,” he declared. Erdogan further emphasized Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts, which include working closely with other Islamic nations to craft a unified response to the crisis.
Call for an Independent Palestinian State
Reiterating his vision for peace, Erdogan advocated for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. “Our struggle will continue until the occupation and massacres in Palestine come to an end,” he asserted. He also expressed hope that the International Humanitarian Summit would bolster efforts to achieve this goal.
International Accountability for Israel’s Actions
Erdogan’s address comes amid growing international condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Over 44,300 people, primarily civilians, have been killed in the conflict, with over 104,900 injured. The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is also examining a genocide case against Israel, further amplifying global scrutiny of the ongoing violence.
Looking Ahead
Erdogan’s call for unity among Islamic nations underscores the urgency of coordinated action to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. With Türkiye continuing its diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, the summit in Istanbul serves as a pivotal platform for shaping a collective response to the crisis, signaling hope for a unified front against oppression in the region.
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